Portuguese Coach Carlos Queiroz Leads Oman’s Historic Bid for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Carlos Queiroz, the experienced Portuguese coach with a history at Real Madrid and multiple World Cup campaigns, has been appointed head coach of the Oman national football team with the ambitious goal of qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2026. Oman, currently ranked 78th globally and having never qualified before, will begin their Asian qualifying campaign against Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with only group winners earning direct spots in the expanded 48-team tournament. Veteran Omani striker Muhsen Al Ghassani expresses strong confidence in Queiroz's leadership, crediting him with raising standards and belief within the squad ahead of these crucial matches. The team combines domestic stalwarts and overseas professionals, aiming to capitalize on their growing momentum from recent regional successes such as reaching the 2019 AFC Asian Cup knockout stage. The qualifiers represent a high-stakes challenge amid fierce competition from regional rivals like Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, but Queiroz's tactical acumen and World Cup experience position Oman as a potential dark horse in the Asian qualifiers. Al Ghassani emphasizes the importance of focus, patience, and teamwork, underscoring the historic opportunity for Oman to make World Cup history under Queiroz's guidance.